The order Primates represents more than 400 living species, including the Pig-Tailed Macaque, the Golden Lion Tamarin, the Mountain Gorilla—and yours truly, Homo sapiens. We primates all share certain characteristics, but humans are the only ones that live on all seven continents, question the meaning of life, and conduct DNA analysis.

Dr. Todd Disotell of NYU’s Center for Human Origins is an anthropologist and molecular primatologist who uses DNA to study the evolution of Homo sapiens. He also uses DNA analysis to throw a monkey wrench into “evidence” of cryptozoological primates, such as Bigfoot, and has appeared on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, National Geographic’s Naked Science, and Monster Quest. The author of scores of scientific papers and recipient of numerous grants from the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health, Dr. Disotell asks: --When did our first primate ancestors evolve?--How did humans emerge—and diverge—from other primates, such as our closest relatives, the chimpanzees and bonobos?--How do genomics help elucidate and recalibrate the fossil record?--What happened to the other species of Homo—erectus, habilis, and neanderthalis?--And what exactly is a Chumanzee?

Before and After

--Groove to ever-evolving tunes--Try our Halloween-inspired simian cocktail of the night, the Monkey’s Paw. (You’ll never “wish” for another . . . wah-ha-ha . . . ) --Stick around for the scintillating Q&A

The Secret Science Club teams up with the Imagine Science Film Festival for an evening of new science-themed short films, plus Dance Your Ph.D. and live music by neuroscientist rockers, the Amygdaloids, and Balun. Stay tuned for more info!

The Secret Science Club is curated by Dorian Devins, Margaret Mittelbach, and Michael Crewdson. Dorian Devins is an NYC-based jazz singer and lyricist, and the former host of WFMU's “The Speakeasy.” Margaret Mittelbach and Michael Crewdson write about nature in the strangest of places; they are co-authors of Carnivorous Nights and Wild New York.